Millen: Back our players

Jul 2 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

ANDY Millen has urged the Black and White Army to play a key role in the club’s battle to take the SPL by storm next season.

St Mirren’s assistant manager has been hugely impressed by the support the Buddies get from their fans while they are on their travels at stadiums throughout the country.

But he has been less enamoured with sections of the support at St Mirren Park.

They became particularly edgy towards the end of last season as the Buddies battled to avoid the dreaded drop from the top flight.

Now Millen has issued a plea to fans to be more supportive in the new campaign and help the players to raise their game.

He said: “At home, our fans can be very critical at times.

“We can understand that with the expectations and demands that previous managers have set at this club.

“But nobody can level the accusation that our players don’t try their best.

“Our players will give everything they’ve got.

“Sometimes, technically, we’re not good enough but they do try.”

Millen believes that Gus MacPherson’s men will give supporters plenty to shout about next season.

But he is also keen to stress that the fans have a key role to play in the club’s success.

He said: “Criticism always comes with the game.

“However our players will respond better to a level of good support.

“That’s what we need.”

Millen was mightily impressed with the large travelling St Mirren support of almost 2,000 fans who made the journey through to Falkirk towards the end of last season.

They cheered their Buddies on to a vital 2-0 win in a massive relegation showdown.

And, according to Millen, if the fans show that level of backing at home in the new campaign, then the Saints players will respond in kind.

He said: “If our supporters turn up every week and they give that same level of support and that level of backing, then we’ll give them a performance.

“The players need encouragement – not criticism.”